What is the best beginner snake?

[RZL36]

I often attempt to convince my friends to get snakes. I usually suggest kings or milks, but how many would say garters?

[adamanteus]

Personally I don't think Garters are the ideal first snake. That view probably comes from the out-dated attitude that 'they're cheap, so it doesn't matter if they die'. Garters can be problematic, as we all know. I would recommend Corn Snakes, or as you say, Kings.

[enigma200316]

Personally I don't think Garters are the ideal first snake. That view probably comes from the out-dated attitude that 'they're cheap, so it doesn't matter if they die'. Garters can be problematic, as we all know. I would recommend Corn Snakes, or as you say, Kings.

I have to agree, but I would also suggest to find some one who has them or what ever animal it is that your looking at to get some real hands on advice and training......or atleast do every bit of research possible first, before buying..........................

[Sid]

I agree with James. Corn and Kings are easier to handle and care for, but with any snake or other pet I highly recomment the individule do a lot of researce before purchasing.

[Stefan-A]

I don't think any snake out there comes with training wheels. I started with garters, but because I did a good deal of research before I bought my first snake, there weren't any real surprises. Most of my problems have been related to actual performance, not lack of information.

Is there really any point in picking a corn or king snake just because it's easy and available, if you're really interested in another species? Corns and kings can provide a good introduction, but there are plenty of small rodent-eating colubrids that are about as easy to care for, but maybe harder to get your hands on. Lamprophis, Coelognathus, Gonyosoma, Nerodia, Elaphe, Rhynchophis, Oreophis, Orthriophis, Zamenis, Pituophis.. It might be a good idea to consider some of the alternatives, there are quite a few snakes that aren't significantly harder to keep, but in my opinion a lot more interesting and attractive than corns or kings.

[Charlet_2007]

me and my husband fist snake was a high white albino berm python.. we jumped in it full force lol

[Bay_area]

Reticulated Python...ROTFL I would go with a cornsnake

My wife "hates" this snake of mine

[Ameivaboy]

ha, nice retic there.

from the genus' in stefans list I would have to say lamprophis are awesome snakes that are hardy stay small and have awesome feeding responses


: )

[Bay_area]

ha, nice retic there.

from the genus' in stefans list I would have to say lamprophis are awesome snakes that are hardy stay small and have awesome feeding responses


: )

Nice house snake there, I just got a pair of those in a trade.

[drache]

I'd say a good beginner snake is different for an adult than for a child
when I got our first snake ostensibly for Mikhaila, I got the 5' king from the rescue, because I figured, she wasn't going to hurt it accidentally